Bojangles Pimento Cheese Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Southern Goodness You Can Make at Home
If you’ve ever bitten into Bojangles’ famous pimento cheese biscuit, you already know it’s a creamy, tangy, and cheesy dream that perfectly complements their flaky buttermilk biscuits. This iconic Southern favorite combines sharp cheddar, sweet pimentos, and a touch of spice—creating a flavor that’s rich, comforting, and unforgettable.
The good news? You don’t have to drive to Bojangles every time a craving hits. With this homemade Bojangles pimento cheese recipe, you can recreate that same crave-worthy spread right in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re slathering it on biscuits, sandwiches, burgers, or crackers, this easy recipe captures all the Southern charm and flavor of the original.
🧀 What Makes Bojangles’ Pimento Cheese So Special?
Bojangles’ pimento cheese stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy. Unlike overly smooth store-bought versions, this one has a chunky, homemade texture—every bite offers a bit of sharp cheddar, rich mayo, and chopped pimentos.
Here’s why people love it:
- Sharp cheddar gives it a bold, cheesy punch.
- Pimentos add sweetness and color.
- Mayonnaise makes it luxuriously creamy.
- Cayenne and black pepper give it that subtle kick Bojangles is known for.
It’s comfort food in its purest form—simple ingredients, perfectly balanced flavor, and a whole lot of Southern soul.
🥣 Homemade Bojangles Pimento Cheese Recipe
This copycat Bojangles pimento cheese recipe takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and requires only a few pantry staples. It’s so close to the original, you’ll think it came straight from the Bojangles kitchen!
🧾 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (preferably extra sharp for that Bojangles bite)
- 4 oz jar of diced pimentos, drained (reserve a bit of liquid for flavor)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s works great)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened (for added creaminess, optional but recommended)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust)
- A dash of hot sauce (optional, for an extra Bojangles-style kick)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise and cream cheese. Beat or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the silky base that binds the cheese together.
Step 2: Add the Flavor
Add the garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Step 3: Fold in the Cheese and Pimentos
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and diced pimentos (with a teaspoon or two of their juice for extra flavor). Fold gently until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen—just like the real Bojangles version.
🧡 How to Serve Bojangles Pimento Cheese
This creamy, flavorful spread is incredibly versatile! Try it in these delicious ways:
1. Bojangles-Style Pimento Cheese Biscuit
Spread a generous scoop between two warm buttermilk biscuits (store-bought or homemade). The heat from the biscuit melts the cheese slightly, creating a heavenly, gooey bite.
2. Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Layer it on toasted bread with sliced tomatoes and crisp lettuce for a classic Southern lunch.
3. Pimento Cheese Burger
Top your burger patty with a spoonful of pimento cheese instead of regular cheese slices—it melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.
4. Party Dip
Serve with crackers, pita chips, celery sticks, or tortilla chips as a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
5. Stuffed Celery or Jalapeños
Fill celery stalks or halved jalapeños with this creamy cheese mixture for a crunchy, spicy snack.
🕒 Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about this Bojangles pimento cheese recipe is how well it stores.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—mayonnaise-based mixtures can separate when frozen.
- Flavor tip: The longer it chills, the better it tastes. It’s even more delicious on day two!
🔄 Variations and Add-Ins
Want to put your own spin on this Southern favorite? Try these variations:
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne for a fiery twist.
- Smoky Touch: Stir in a few dashes of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Bacon Lovers: Mix in crumbled bacon for a salty, smoky bite.
- Healthier Swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of part of the mayo to lighten it up without losing creaminess.
- Cheese Blend: Combine sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra meltiness.
🧑🍳 Bojangles-Style Biscuit Recipe (Bonus!)
Since Bojangles is known for pairing their pimento cheese with biscuits, here’s a quick homemade Southern buttermilk biscuit recipe so you can recreate the full experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in butter using a pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Stir in buttermilk just until dough forms.
- Roll out dough to about ¾ inch thick and cut into circles.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with a big dollop of pimento cheese—just like Bojangles!
🧂 Tips for the Perfect Bojangles Pimento Cheese
- Use freshly shredded cheese — Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste — The key to mimicking Bojangles’ flavor is balancing sharpness, creaminess, and spice.
- Don’t skip chilling time — The magic happens after it sits in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Use quality mayo — Duke’s mayonnaise gives that authentic Southern tang.
🍔 Why This Copycat Bojangles Pimento Cheese Recipe Works
This recipe is simple but flavor-packed. The combination of sharp cheddar, creamy mayo, and mild pimentos creates a texture and taste nearly identical to the Bojangles version.
The added cayenne and garlic powder round out the flavor, while cream cheese gives it that smooth consistency that melts beautifully on biscuits, burgers, or fries.
🥄 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate, based on 2 tablespoons serving size)
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on the brands you use.
🧺 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What kind of cheese does Bojangles use in their pimento cheese?
Bojangles uses sharp cheddar cheese, which gives the pimento cheese its bold flavor and signature tang.
2. Can I make this pimento cheese without mayonnaise?
You can replace part of the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream, but keep some mayo for that authentic Bojangles creaminess.
3. Can I make this Bojangles pimento cheese recipe vegan?
Yes! Use vegan mayo, dairy-free cream cheese, and vegan cheddar shreds. The flavor will still be delicious and rich.
4. How long does homemade pimento cheese last?
It lasts up to a week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
5. Can I use this pimento cheese as a dip?
Absolutely. Serve it chilled with crackers, veggies, or chips for a quick appetizer.
🧡 The Southern Charm of Bojangles Pimento Cheese
There’s something nostalgic about Bojangles’ pimento cheese—it embodies everything Southern food stands for: simplicity, comfort, and big flavor. Every bite reminds you of home, family gatherings, and weekend breakfasts that stretch into lazy afternoons.
This homemade Bojangles pimento cheese recipe brings that same warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting brunch, preparing game-day snacks, or just craving that creamy, cheesy goodness, this recipe will hit the spot every time.
🍽️ Final Thoughts
Recreating Bojangles pimento cheese at home is easier than you think. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful spread that rivals the restaurant version.
Make it ahead for picnics, barbecues, or quick weekday lunches—it’s versatile, addictive, and downright delicious. Pair it with a biscuit, burger, or your favorite snack, and you’ll see why this Southern staple has such a loyal following.
Once you try this Bojangles pimento cheese recipe, you may never go back to store-bought again. It’s homemade comfort food at its finest—cheesy, tangy, and packed with Southern charm.
